A couple had two little boys, ages 8 and 10, who were excessively mischievous. They were always getting into trouble and their parents knew that, if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons were probably involved.

They boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed, but asked to see them individually. So the mother sent her 8-year-old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the clergyman in the afternoon.

The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Where is God?".

They boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God!!?" Again the boy made no attempt to answer. So the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD!?"

The boy screamed and bolted from the room, ran directly home and dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?"

The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time, dude. God is missing - and they think WE did it!"-Read More

Ayoung woman teacher with obvious liberal tendencies explains to her class of small children that she is an atheist. She asks her class if they are atheists too. Not really knowing what atheism is but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands explode into the air like fleshy fireworks.

There is, however, one exception. A beautiful girl named Lucy has not gone along with the crowd. The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different.

"Because I'm not an atheist."

Then, asks the teacher, "What are you?"

"I'm a Christian."

The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Lucy why she is a Christian.

"Well, I was brought up knowing and loving Jesus. My mom is a Christian, and my dad is a Christian, so I am a Christian."

The teacher is now angry. "That's no reason," she says loudly.

"What if your mom was a moron, and your dad was a moron. What would you be then?"

She paused, and smiled. "Then," says Lucy, "I'd be an atheist."-Read More

Fr. Victor Salomon, Director of Hispanic Outreach for Priests for Life, said today that the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor does not merit automatic support from Latinos; rather, Latinos and all Americans should carefully scrutinize her views on abortion.

“What would be the value of having a Latina Supreme Court justice who wants to uphold rulings that have taken the lives of millions of Latino children?” asked Fr. Salomón. “My fear is that this nomination may be great news to those who think it’s OK to abort babies at any time for any reason, but not for those of us who want to share the positive values of Latino culture.”

Perhaps everyone is tired of reading about the controversy surrounding the graduation ceremony at the University of Notre Dame. Statements of support and cries of criticism have been numerous and strong. The issue of abortion continues to provoke strong reactions from many quarters, even 36 years after the Roe v. Wade decision. Even though media attention has passed, I believe it is important to reflect on the meaning of the whole event. Similar events are bound to occur in the future.-Read More

Today was a victory for more than 7 million California voters who passed Proposition 8 last November. We are so pleased that the California Supreme Court recognized the right of the voters to amend their constitution and define marriage as between a man and a woman. This has been a long battle starting in 2000 when California voters first defined marriage in the state law by passing Proposition 22 -- a law that the California Supreme Court overturned in May of 2008. The decision today demonstrates that the voters have put the definition of marriage out of reach of the state court once and for all. -Read More

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, says he has just one question about Judge Sonia Sotomayor as she is nominated by President Obama for the Supreme Court: “Does justice include the right to tear the arms and legs off of babies, crush their skulls, and treat them as medical waste?” -Read More

Scripture meditation: Be sober and alert. You enemy the devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him, and stand firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Reflection: The devil is always looking for someone to devour. In the same way, Mary is always looking for someone she can help in any way.

Pope St. Leo I (the Great) (400-461AD) Mini-Bio: pope: (440-461) Italian; pope, unifier, Doctor of the Church. He guided the destiny of the Church with prudence and wisdom during a time where people were disturbed over dogmatic controversies

Prayer: O Mary, you are especially vigilant in protecting those devoted to you. Defend me from the snares of the devil and keep me ever safe in your loving care.-Read More

The peace of Christ is different from that of the world. The peace of Christ surely does not remove trials and tribulations, but it is always a source of serenity and happiness. For it brings with it the fullness of life.

Many would be willing to have afflictions provided that they be not inconvenienced by them.

What was the attitude of Jesus toward the temple in Jerusalem? Jesus was accused of hostility to the temple. On the contrary, he venerated it as “the house of his Father” (John 2:16); and it was there that he imparted an important part of his teaching. However, he also foretold its destruction in connection with his own death and he presented himself as the definitive dwelling place of God among men.

Seldom does dawn rise on an America where the morning's New York Times displays a more intuitive grasp of a story than the New York Post. The coverage of Barack Obama's commencement address at Notre Dame, however, was such a day. Where the Post headlined an inside spread with "Obama In the Lions' Den," the Times front page was dominated by a color photograph of a beaming president, resplendent in his blue-and-gold Notre Dame academic gown, reaching out to graduates eager to shake his hand or just touch his robe.-Read More

Scripture meditation: Learn wisdom, my son, and make me joyful, and I will be able to answer him who taunts me. The prudent see evil and hide. Proverbs 27:11-12

Reflection: Those who fail to do the works of their Mother renounce their lineage. Mary is humble, but they are proud. Mary is pure, but they are wicked. Mary is full of love, but they are full of hate for others.

St. Peter Chrysologus (406-450AD) Mini-Bio: Italian; bishop, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you gave us an example of good works. Help me to follow your good example, not my evil inclinations. Let me root out all that is not Mary-like in me.-Read More

Even the memory of our sins does not discourage us any longer. We realize that God's mercy is greater than our sins and that God's pardon is a proof of His faithful love for us.

The Child, the Lord Jesus Christ ... Word in our flesh, Wisdom in infancy, Power in weakness, and in true Man, the Lord of Majesty.

Consider, then, the bread and wine not as bare elements. They are, according to the Lord's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. For even though sense suggests this to you, let faith assure you. Judge not the matter from the taste, but be fully assured by faith, without misgiving.

From the very beginning the first disciples burned with the desire to proclaim Jesus Christ in order to lead all to faith in him. Even today, from the loving knowledge of Christ there springs up in the believer the desire to evangelize and catechize, that is, to reveal in the Person of Christ the entire design of God and to put humanity in communion with him.

Scripture meditation: Amen, amen, I say to you …, I am the living bread that has come down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. John 6:47-51

Reflection: It is through Mary that we are able to eat the Bread of Heaven every day. Through her intercession, God inspires us to receive this Bread and confers on us the grace to receive it worthily.

Prayer: O Mary, you are our Lady of the Eucharist. Help me to participate fully in the Mass as often as possible and receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your Son Jesus, in Holy Communion.-Read More

May the sacred flame of the Faith burn on the domestic hearth, and may parents forge and fashion the lives of their children in accordance with this Faith. Then youth will be ever ready to acknowledge the royal prerogatives of the Redeemer and to oppose those who wish to exclude Him from society.

Since He is the Sun of Justice, He fittingly calls His disciples the light of the world. For through them, as through shining rays, He has poured out the light of the knowledge of Himself upon the entire world. For by manifesting the light of truth, they have dispelled the darkness of error from the hearts of men.

Not only ought we to see the Lord, but we ought to take Him in our hands, eat Him, set our teeth upon His Flesh, and most intimately unite ourselves with Him.

What is the meaning of the name “Jesus”? Given by the angel at the time of the Annunciation, the name “Jesus” means “God saves”. The name expresses his identity and his mission “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Peter proclaimed that “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Scripture meditation: But flee the desires of youth and seek justice, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

Reflection: The purer are your words and your glances, the more pleasing you will be to the Blessed Virgin. And the greater will be the graces that she will obtain for you from her Divine Son.

St. John Bosco (1815-1888AD) Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, educator, founder of the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) and Daughters of Our Lady, Help of Christians

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Virgin Most Pure. Obtain for me the grace to preserve purity of mind and heart. Let me avoid the proximate occasions of sin and call upon your help in any difficulty.-Read More

People today more willingly listen to witnesses than to teachers. If they do listen to teachers, it is because these teachers are also witnesses.

Christianity is an imitation of God's nature.

Given to you in the figure of bread is His Body, and in the figure of wine His Blood; that you, by partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, may be made of the same body and the same blood with Him. For thus we come to bear Christ in us, because His Body and Blood are distributed through our members; thus it is that, according to St. Peter, we became partakers of the divine nature.-Read More

Why is Jesus called “Christ”? “Christ” in Greek, “Messiah” in Hebrew, means the “anointed one”. Jesus is the Christ because he is consecrated by God and anointed by the Holy Spirit for his redeeming mission. He is the Messiah awaited by Israel, sent into the world by the Father. Jesus accepted the title of Messiah but he made the meaning of the term clear: “come down from heaven” (John 3:13), crucified and then risen , he is the Suffering Servant “who gives his life as a ransom for the many” (Matthew 20:28). From the name Christ comes our name of Christian.

Scripture meditation: For who is God but the Lord? What rock is there except our God? God who has girt me with strength and kept my way secure. Psalms 18:32-33

Reflection: We must look upon Mary as an accomplished model of every virtue and perfection that the Holy Spirit has fashioned in any simple creature. We will then be able to imitate her in the way suitable to each of us.

St. Louis Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716AD) Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, spiritual writer founder of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionaries of the Company of Mary

Prayer: O Mary, you are the Model of every virtue. Help me to study your life and imitate your virtues in the way God intends for me.-Read More

Christians must share in the task of building up the city, creating new modes of neighborliness and relationship. They must also perceive an original application of social justice and undertake responsibility for this collective future.

Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggles increase.

At the moment of prayer, chase from your spirit even the simple representations of human realities and the images of all creatures. Or the imagination, being occupied with objects of less importance, will lose Him Who is incomparably superior to them all. -Read More

How did the messianic entrance into Jerusalem come about? At the established time Jesus chose to go up to Jerusalem to suffer his passion and death, and to rise from the dead. As the Messiah King who shows forth the coming of the Kingdom, he entered into his city mounted on a donkey. He was acclaimed by the little children whose shout of joyful praise is taken up in the Sanctus of the Eucharistic liturgy: “Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna (save us!)” (Matthew 21:9). The liturgy of the Church opens Holy Week by celebrating this entry into Jerusalem.

Scripture meditation: Abram believed God and it was credited to him as an act of righteousness. Genesis 15:6

Reflection: Mary is the heir and fulfillment of the faith of Abraham. Just as he is regarded as "our father," so Mary must with greater reason be regarded as "our Mother" in faith. Through Mary's faith and obedience, all the families of the earth are blessed, in accord with the promise made to Abraham (see Gen. 12:3)

Pope John Paul II (1920 - 2005AD) Mini-Bio: pope: (1978 - 2005) Polish; The most traveled pope in history. During his papacy he has issued many letters clarifying and safeguarding the Churches teachings in moral areas. Has consecrated his papacy to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Prayer: O Mary, you are my Mother in faith. Let me model my faith after your own. Increase it from day to day, so that upon my death that faith may be changed into vision in heaven.-Read More

We must insist on the priority of ethics over technology, on the primacy of the person over things, on the superiority of the spirit over nature. Humanity will be served if science and culture ally themselves with conscience.

What is the importance of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus? The Paschal Mystery of Jesus, which comprises his passion, death, resurrection, and glorification, stands at the center of the Christian faith because God's saving plan was accomplished once for all by the redemptive death of his Son Jesus Christ.

Scripture meditation: Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, May it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1:38

Reflection: See the humility. Note the devotion. She who has been chosen to be the Mother of the Lord calls herself His handmaid! In no way does she become haughty over this promise of such an exalted position. She does not take as a right what is freely given as a grace.

St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397AD) Mini-Bio: German; bishop, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you remained humble despite the great grace bestowed on you as Mother of God. Help me to remain humble in all situations for it is God Who does all the good in us.-Read More

While most Protestants believe the Last Supper was significant and often agree that communion is important, they don't believe that Jesus literally meant He wanted us to eat His flesh and drink His blood. The argue that Jesus used many symbolisms about Himself -- He called Himself a door, a vine, etc. And since eating human flesh is cannibalism, they argue that Jesus could not have been speaking literally in John 6. The Eucharist, however, is a unique and miraculous reality in which we consume the entirety of the living Christ -- although his natural condition is veiled by the sacrament. The Church has consistently understood Christ's words to be literally referring to His true flesh and blood, as is evident in the writings of the early Church saints like St. Ignatius of Antioch (50-107), St. Justin Martyr (100-165), St. Irenaeus of Lyons (125-203), St. Ambrose (340-397) and St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386). Although all the faithful in the Church has always believed in the concept of transubstantiation, in 1215, the Fourth Lateran Council dogmatically defined the concept: that while the outward appearances of bread and wine remain {the taste, touch, smell and looks}, their inward realities or substance has become the living Christ. Because Jesus is truly present - body, blood, soul and divinity - we adore the Eucharist with profound reverence.-Read More

What were the accusations by which Jesus was condemned to death? Some of the leaders of Israel accused Jesus of acting against the law, the temple in Jerusalem, and in particular against faith in the one God because he proclaimed himself to be the Son of God. For this reason they handed him over to Pilate so that he might condemn him to death.

How did Jesus conduct himself in regard to the Law of Israel? Jesus did not abolish the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai but he fulfilled it by giving it its definitive interpretation. He himself was the divine Legislator who fully carried out this Law. Furthermore, as the faithful Servant, he offered by means of his expiatory death the only sacrifice capable of making atonement for all the “transgressions committed by men under the first Covenant” (Hebrews 9:15).

By far the book’s longest chapter is "The Church and Science." We have all heard a great deal about the Church’s alleged hostility toward science. What most people fail to realize is that historians of science have spent the past half-century drastically revising this conventional wisdom, arguing that the Church’s role in the development of Western science was far more salutary than previously thought. I am speaking not about Catholic apologists but about serious and important scholars of the history of science such as J.L. Heilbron, A.C. Crombie, David Lindberg, Edward Grant, and Thomas Goldstein. -Read More

n his speech introducing President Barack Obama at the 2009 Commencement ceremony at the University of Notre Dame, Father John I. Jenkins, C.S.C, president of the most emblematic Catholic university in the nation, did more than try to justify the invitation and the granting of an honoris causa degree to a politician definitely favorable to abortion and embryonic stem cell research—he called on Catholics to “dialogue” with abortionists.-Read More

The Lord’s Ascension into heaven to the right hand of the Father is the sixth article of faith within the Apostles’ Creed. By this mystery, we believe that Jesus Christ, in his resurrected body and soul, went up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God the Father, making way for the Holy Spirit to be sent upon the earth and inspire the Apostles to preach the Gospel to every land. When Christ ascended into heaven, he did so on His own power and he ascended as true God and true man.-Read More

The Italian press was more irate over the one-and-a-half hour delay in starting the film while the cast and author did red carpet interviews, than anything else. Most European journalists dubbed it "Americanata" -- silly stuff Americans enjoy, like McDonalds. -Read More

Scripture meditation: My son, forget not my teaching, and let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you length of days and years of peace. Proverbs 3:1-2

Reflection: When Mary became the Mother of Jesus, true God and true Man, she also became our Mother. In His great mercy, Jesus wished to call us His brothers and sisters, and by this name He constituted us adopted children of Mary.

St. John Bosco (1815-1888AD) Mini-Bio: Italian; priest, educator, founder of the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) and Daughters of Our Lady, Help of Christians

Prayer: O Mary, let me be devoted to you as my Mother and to Jesus as my Brother. Help me to follow your teaching, which is that of your Divine Son.-Read More

The Christian Faith does not destroy culture but purifies and uplifts it. It takes away nothing of genuine value from a society or nation. The Christian Faith strengthens whatever is good for the betterment of all.

We don't walk to God with the feet of our body, nor would wings, if we had them, carry us Him; but we go to Him by the affections of our soul.

Ask constantly, not by composing endless prayers, but rather telling Him of our needs with simplicity. -Read More

Jesus accompanied his words with signs and miracles to bear witness to the fact that the Kingdom is present in him, the Messiah. Although he healed some people, he did not come to abolish all evils here below but rather to free us especially from the slavery of sin. The driving out of demons proclaimed that his cross would be victorious over “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31).

Watch! Do not let the precious values of faithful married love and family life be taken away from you. Do not reject them, or think that there is some other human prospect for happiness and human fulfillment.

The more we are afflicted in this world, the greater is our assurance in the next; the more we sorrow in the present, the greater will be our joy in the future.

No meal should be begun without prayer, and before leaving table thanks should be returned to the Creator. -Read More

In the Kingdom, what authority did Jesus bestow upon his Apostles? Jesus chose the twelve, the future witnesses of his Resurrection, and made them sharers of his mission and of his authority to teach, to absolve from sins, and to build up and govern the Church. In this college, Peter received “the keys of the Kingdom” (Matthew 16:19) and assumed the first place with the mission to keep the faith in its integrity and to strengthen his brothers.

Catholic leaders continue to react to the prospect of the University of Notre Dame granting President Barack Obama an honorary degree on May 17. In the Detroit archdiocese, Director of Communications Ned McGrath describes what has been said and done:-Read More

We must strive to ensure that the celebration of the Divine Mysteries be given such a central place in the organization of pastoral activity that all apostolic activity will have its beginning and fulfillment therein. For the Liturgy is the "summit and fount" of the Church's life and mission.

There are three distinct comings of the Lord of which I know: His coming to men, His coming into men, and His coming against men. There are three distinct comings of the Lord of which I know: His coming to men, His coming into men, and His coming against men.

You must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let nYou must all follow the bishop as Jesus Christ follows the Father, and the presbytery as you would the Apostles. Reverence the deacons as you would the command of God. Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. o one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints. -Read More

Who is invited to come into the Kingdom of God proclaimed and brought about by Jesus?

All are invited by Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God. Even the worst of sinners is called to convert and to accept the boundless mercy of the Father. Already here on earth, the Kingdom belongs to those who accept it with a humble heart. To them the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed.

Who is invited to come into the Kingdom of God proclaimed and brought about by Jesus?

All are invited by Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God. Even the worst of sinners is called to convert and to accept the boundless mercy of the Father. Already here on earth, the Kingdom belongs to those who accept it with a humble heart. To them the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed.

Scripture meditation: She can do all things; while unchanging herself, she makes all things new. Generation after generation she enters into holy souls, and turns them into friends of God and prophets. Wisdom 7:27

Reflection: We have recourse to Mary in prayer because she is by the side of God's throne as Mediatrix of Divine Grace. Most acceptable to God by worthiness and by merit, Mary is more powerful than all the Angels and Saints in heaven.

Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903AD) Mini-Bio: pope: (1878-1903) Italian; pope, Jesuit. The United States at all times attracted the attention and admiration. Under Leo the religious orders developed wonderfully; new orders were founded, older ones increased.

Prayer: O Mary, inspire me to come to you in all my difficulties. Help me to be ever devoted to you and to receive the graces I need to be with you and your Divine Son in heaven.-Read More

Christian renunciation is an authentic way of Christian life. It implies a hierarchical classification of its goods and it stimulates us to choose the better part. It gives us practice in self-control, and it establishes a mysterious economy of expiation, which makes us participants in Christ's redemption.

I wish I could lose myself and never find myself except in God!

Avoid, like the plague, a clergymen who is also a businessman. -Read More

Pray for the many spiritual and material needs of your families, your communities, the whole Church, and all of humanity. Indeed, prayer is the first and greatest work of charity that we must do for our brothers and sisters.

I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of God.

The dominion of the priest lies in his helplessness, as it is said: "When I am weak, then I am strong." -Read More

What does the hidden life of Jesus in Nazareth teach us? In the course of his hidden life in Nazareth Jesus stayed in the silence of an ordinary existence. This allows us to enter into fellowship with him in the holiness to be found in a daily life marked by prayer, simplicity, work and family love. His obedience to Mary and to Joseph, his foster father, is an image of his filial obedience to the Father. Mary and Joseph accepted with faith the mystery of Jesus even though they did not always understand it.

Scripture meditation: All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you hear [God's] precepts. … And blessed shall you be coming in and going out. Deuteronomy 28:2-6

Reflection: Entrust to Mary any offering you wish to make to God. In this way, grace will return to its source the same way it came to us. Certainly, God could give us grace without going through Mary. But He chose not to do so.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153AD) Mini-Bio: French; abbot, mystical writer, theologian, reformer of the Cistercian Order, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, grant me the graces God intends for me this day. Then offer your Divine Son all the good works that I do as a result of these graces.-Read More

The Eucharist is in no way alien to the building of a new world. Rather, it is the principle and source of inspiration. For the Lord Jesus is the foundation of a new humanity that is reconciled and fraternal.

Just as in one man there is one soul and one body, yet many members; even so the Catholic Church Is one body, having many members. The soul that quickens this body is the Holy Spirit; and therefore in the Creed after confessing our belief in the Holy Spirit, we are bid to believe in the Holy Catholic Church. He who confesses his sins freely receives pardon from the priest by virtue of the grace of Christ.

In what sense is the life of Christ a Mystery? The entire life of Christ is a revelation. What was visible in the earthly life of Jesus leads us to the invisible mystery of his divine sonship: “whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Furthermore, even though salvation comes completely from the cross and the resurrection, the entire life of Christ is a mystery of redemption because everything that Jesus did, said, and suffered had for its aim the salvation of fallen human beings and the restoration of their vocation as children of God.

Scripture meditation: A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by grief of mind the spirit is broken. The wise of heart seeks knowledge. Proverbs 15:13-14

Reflection: The most holy Heart of Mary is the treasure of holiness, the furnace of Divine Love, the throne of all virtues, and the sanctuary of the Trinity. May that Heart be forever blessed and celebrated throughout the universe!

St. John Eudes (1601-1680AD) Mini-Bio: French; priest, missionary, founder of seminaries and of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists)

Prayer: O Immaculate Heart of Mary, may my heart be ever united with yours. Grant that I may hate sin, love God and my neighbor, and reach eternal life together with those I love.-Read More

Above all it is my conviction that all work is a fundamental dimension of human existence on the earth. This is true of all work -- from the simplest to the most difficult, from the less paying to the most rewarding.

Abandon yourself utterly for the love of God, and in this way you will become truly happy.

God prepared for the coming of his Son over the centuries. He awakened in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming and he prepared for it specifically through the Old Testament, culminating with John the Baptist who was the last and greatest of the prophets. We relive this long period of expectancy in the annual liturgical celebration of the season of Advent.

What does the virginal conception of Jesus mean? The virginal conception of Jesus means that Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Virgin solely by the power of the Holy Spirit without the intervention of a man. He is the Son of the heavenly Father according to his divine nature and the Son of Mary according to his human nature. He is, however, truly the Son of God in both natures since there is in him only one Person who is divine.

Scripture meditation: Come to me, all you who desire me, come and eat your fill of my fruits. For the memory of me is sweeter than the honeycomb. Sirach 24:18-19Reflection: May the life of Mary, who gave birth to God, be for all of you as instructive as if it were written down. Come to know yourselves in her and carry out the good works that you have neglected in the past.

St. Athanasius of Alexandria (297-373AD) Mini-Bio: Egyptian; bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, help me to meditate often on your life and to imitate your virtues. In so doing, I will attain a living knowledge of Jesus and the Father -- which Jesus said constitutes eternal life.-Read More

Faith must be accompanied by charity, charity that unites us all with one another and with Christ. It must be accompanied by charity that under the inspiration and motion of the Divine Spirit, welds the members of the Mystical Body together by an unbreakable bond.

There is but one Church in which men find salvation, just as outside the ark of Noah it was not possible for anyone to be saved.

On the Lord's Day, gather together to break bread and offer thanks. But confess your sins first, so that your sacrifice may be pure. -Read More

In what sense is Mary “ever Virgin”? Mary is ever virgin in the sense that she “remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in nursing him at her breast, always a virgin” (Saint Augustine). Therefore, when the Gospels speak of the “brothers and sisters of Jesus”, they are talking about the close relations of Jesus, according to the way of speaking used in Sacred Scripture.

Reflection: How beautiful you are in the soul and resplendent in the body, Mary, my Mother. In this world, the Blessed Virgin was poor and unknown, but in heaven she is glorious and beautiful, the Queen of Angels.

St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231AD) Mini-Bio: Portuguese; Franciscan preacher and reformer, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you are all beautiful in both soul and body. I praise you as the Queen of heaven and earth. Let me appreciate your beauty and spiritual might ever more each day.-Read More

Christians do not estrange themselves from life in society. They assume its history and express its culture. As the same time they strive to radiate to those around them the spiritual realities of which they are bearers.

To Pope Gregory XI: Since the Church began aiming more at temporal things than at spiritual, things have gone from bad to worse.

Those who become filthy after the grace of baptism may once more be cleansed. -Read More

Scripture clearly describes homosexual acts as abominations. The city of Sodom (Genesis 18-19) was not destroyed for its lack of hospitality to the angels of the Lord. It was destroyed for its homosexual depravity. The Church teaches that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357), yet the Church also calls us to embrace homosexuals with love and to encourage them to live lives of chastity. Regardless of the source of homosexual inclinations, which the Church says are "objectively disordered", the "urges" themselves are not sinful. For most people, these urges constitute trials which must be resisted like any other temptation. In short, the Church teaches us to hate the sin of homosexual acts, but to love the sinners who engage in those acts. See more about the Church's teachings in CCC 2357-2359.-Read More

In what way is the spiritual motherhood of Mary universal? Mary had only one Son, Jesus, but in him her spiritual motherhood extends to all whom he came to save. Obediently standing at the side of the new Adam, Jesus Christ, the Virgin is the new Eve, the true mother of all the living, who with a mother's love cooperates in their birth and their formation in the order of grace. Virgin and Mother, Mary is the figure of the Church, its most perfect realization.

Scripture meditation: But you are a God of mercy, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and full of love. Therefore, you did not forsake them. Nehemiah 9:17

Reflection: Have recourse to that dear Mary who is Mother of Mercy. She will take you into her Son's presence and use her Motherly intercession with Him on your behalf, so that He will be merciful toward you.

St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380AD) Mini-Bio: Italian; Dominican tertiary, mystical writer, visionary, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, Mother of Mercy, never cease to intercede for me with your merciful Son. Let me remember that all human beings are fallible and I need God's mercy to reach my eternal goal.-Read More

Wat does the virginal conception of Jesus mean? The virginal conception of Jesus means that Jesus was conceived in the womb of the Virgin solely by the power of the Holy Spirit without the intervention of a man. He is the Son of the heavenly Father according to his divine nature and the Son of Mary according to his human nature. He is, however, truly the Son of God in both natures since there is in him only one Person who is divine.

Scripture meditation: She is the reflection of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the active power of God, and the image of his goodness. Wisdom 7:26

Reflection: Before her birth, the Prophets proclaimed the glory of Mary. They compared her to the sun. Indeed, the appearances of the Blessed Virgin can be compared to a beautiful ray of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon.

The Divine is united to the human. The invisible has become visible. The infinite has assumed a human form. Humanity has been accepted into the unity of the Divine Person of the Word. The teaching of the Church … is both the starting line and the finish line for the race; it is the bridle of a tightly reined horse. The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works. -Read More

Scripture meditation: You have remitted the gift of your people; you have forgiven all their sins. You have held back all your wrath; you have not lashed out with anger. Psalms 85:3-4

Reflection: Mary, every Virgin, is a true Mother of Mercy, who disposes Jesus to clemency. As a consoler of the human race, she never ceases to pour out before Him her prayer for the salvation of the faithful crushed by the weight of their sins.

Pope St. Pius V (1504-1572AD) Mini-Bio: pope: (1566-1572) Alexandrian; reformed the clergy with his friend St. Charles Borromeo. Made at least two meditations a day on bended knees in presence of the Blessed Sacrament. He instituted for the first Sunday of October the feast of the Rosary.

Prayer: O Mary, you continually plead for us before the throne of your Divine Son. Help me to show my gratitude for His mercy toward me by striving to avoid all sin in the future.-Read More

What does the “Immaculate Conception” mean? God freely chose Mary from all eternity to be the Mother of his Son. In order to carry out her mission she herself was conceived immaculate. This means that, thanks to the grace of God and in anticipation of the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary was preserved from original sin from the first instant of her conception.

The Spirit creates joy, and joy is effusive. This, too, is a testimony that you can and must offer to people of our time, so often made cold and unhappy by selfishness.

The Catholic Church is the work of divine Providence, achieved through the prophecies of the prophets, through the Incarnation and the teaching of Christ, through the journeys of the apostles, through the suffering, the crosses, the blood and death of the martyrs, through the admirable lives of the saints… When we see, then, so much help on God's part, so much progress and so much fruit, shall we hesitate to bury ourselves in the bosom of that Church? For beginning with the apostolic chair, down through successions of bishops, even to the open confession of all mankind, it has possessed the crown of teaching authority.

We ask that this bread should be given to us daily, that we who are in Christ and daily receive the Eucharist as food of salvation, may not by heinous sin … be prevented from partaking of the heavenly bread, may not be separated from Christ's Body. -Read More

Jesus revealed that Moses allowed divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 as a temporary provision because of the "hardness of their hearts" (Matthew 19:7-9). But Jesus restored God's original plan of indissoluble marriage (Matthew 19:3-9); therefore, the Catholic Church continues to teach that a valid marriage between a baptized man and baptized woman cannot be dissolved for any reason except death. It can't be ended by a civil divorce (or even by an annulment, which is not a "Catholic divorce" but rather the determination a marriage was not valid in the first place.) Some Protestants claim that Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 allow exceptions to Jesus' teaching on indissolubility: "whoever divorces his wife, except for un chastity [porneia], and marries another commits adultery." Here porneia is used in a technical sense to forbid incestuous marriage among close relatives (as in Acts 15:20 and 1 Corinthians 5:1). These illicit unions are not valid marriages in the first place. Note that not a single Greek-speaking Church Father ever saw in Matthew 5 and 19 exceptions to Christ's law of indissolubility. Until Martin Luther declared that marriage was only a civil union in 1520, all Christians unanimously held that marriage is indissoluble and the divorce from a legitimate marriage cannot be followed by remarriage.-Read More

How does Mary cooperate in the divine plan of salvation? By the grace of God Mary was kept free from every personal sin her whole life long. She is the one who is “full of grace” (Luke 1:28), “the all holy”. When the angel announced to her that she would give birth to “the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32), she freely gave her consent with “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5). Mary thus gave herself entirely to the person and work of her Son Jesus, espousing wholeheartedly the divine will regarding salvation.

Scripture meditation: You are the glory of Jerusalem, the surpassing pride of Israel, the great honor of our people. You have done all this with your own hand. Judith 15:9-10

Reflection: Together with Jesus and through Jesus, she was the eternal enemy of the poisonous serpent, overcame him, and crushed his head with her virginal foot.

Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792-1878AD) Mini-Bio: pope: (1846-1878) Italian; He proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin as a dogma of the Church. His is the longest pontificate in the history of the papacy and was the last pope to hold temporal power.

Prayer: O Mary, in union with your Divine Son you have overcome the powers of evil. Come to my aid when evil threatens to overwhelm me, and deliver me from all danger.-Read More

Because all are entrusted with the vast area of charity and material assistance, I invite you to give generously. Give for the maintenance and support of seminarians, for the formation of the laity, in particular of catechists, for the construction of churches, schools, hospitals, and social work.

Anyone who is outside this Church, which received the keys of the kingdom of heaven, is walking a path not to heaven but to hell… Let them hasten, then, while there is yet time, to their legitimate Mother, who legitimately sustains and nourishes the sons born of her womb.

Do not separate yourselves from Communion; do not deprive yourselves, by the pollution of sins, of these holy and spiritual mysteries.-Read More

Why is Mary truly the Mother of God? Mary is truly the Mother of God because she is the Mother of Jesus (John 2:1, John 19:25). The One who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and became truly her Son is actually the eternal Son of God the Father. He is God himself.

If the members who constitute the parish, are numerically many, so are the gifts that the Holy Spirit incessantly distributes. So also are the initiatives that He awakens there according to the grace given to each member.

A true Christian may almost be defined as one who has a ruling sense of God's presence within him.

The Lord Jesus Himself proclaims: "This is My Body" (Mt. 26:26). Before the blessing of the heavenly words, another nature is spoken of, after the consecration, the Body is signified. He Himself speaks of His Blood. Before the consecration, it has another name; after, it is called Blood. And you say: "Amen," that is, "It is true." Let the heart within confess what the mouth utters; let the soul feel what the voice speaks. -Read More

What is the meaning of the title “Lord”? In the Bible this title regularly designates God as Sovereign. Jesus ascribed this title to himself and revealed his divine sovereignty by his power over nature, over demons, over sin, and over death, above all by his own Resurrection. The first Christian creeds proclaimed that the power, the honor, and the glory that are due to God the Father also belong to Jesus: God “has given him the name which is above every other name” (Philippians 2:9). He is the Lord of the world and of history, the only One to whom we must completely submit our personal freedom.

How did the two wills of the incarnate Word cooperate? Jesus had a divine will and a human will. In his earthly life the Son of God humanly willed all that he had divinely decided with the Father and the Holy Spirit for our salvation. The human will of Christ followed without opposition or reluctance the divine will or, in other words, it was subject to it.

In what way is Jesus Christ true God and true man? Jesus is inseparably true God and true man in the unity of his divine Person. As the Son of God, who is “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father,” he was made true man, our brother, without ceasing to be God, our Lord.

Scripture meditation: Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise in the city of our God. His holy mountain, most beautiful of all, is the joy of the whole earth. Psalms 48:2

Reflection: Our Lord had preserved the soul together with the body of the Blessed Virgin in that purity which became her who was to receive a God into her womb.

St. John Damascene (of Damascus) (675-749AD) Mini-Bio: Syrian; priest, monk, theologian, poet, Doctor of the Church

Prayer: O Mary, you were given the grace of the highest holiness so as to be able to have God reposing in you. Help me to strive after the greatest holiness possible since your Divine Son dwells in me, too, by grace.-Read More